Ambitious cultural program marks Denmark’s 2012 EU Presidency
When Denmark assumes the EU Presidency in 2012, everyone in Europe will get a little taste of Danish culture. A remarkable cultural program with more than 150 unique events will be revealed today – with a particular focus on Danish film and Danish cultural heritage.
When the Danish government assumes the EU Presidency on January 1, 2012, everyone in the 27 EU member states will have a chance to participate in more than 150 unique cultural events that will take place in European capitals everywhere during the first half of 2012. Slovakian scholars will dissect Kierkegaard, innovative Danish bicycle designs will be unveiled in Berlin, the National Museum in Warsaw will display the art of Danish jewelry, the Royal Danish Ballet will capture Paris, while Czech school children will pursue their zest for reading in the company of Hans Christian Andersen. The best string quartet in Greece will interpret a selection of Carl Nielsen’s works in Athens, while the mobile Danish film studio Film-Y will provide hundreds of Belgian school children the opportunity to produce their own films.
The comprehensive cultural program is now available at: www.eu2012.dk/culture
The Danish Minister for Culture, Uffe Elbaek says:
“I am very proud of this cultural celebration of Denmark’s EU Presidency. It shows that art and culture can help create a new common future for European democracies, because all the citizens of Europe are invited to participate. The cultural celebration during Denmark’s EU Presidency – and culture in a general sense – creates an elegant platform to provide us with new inspiration and ideas for the further development of Europe.“
As a part of the cultural celebration of the EU Presidency, the Danish Film Institute has put together a powerful focus on Danish film. 20 Danish films in the children’s film, feature-length film, documentary, and classic film genres will be distributed in all 27 EU member states through Danish embassies and cultural institutes. There will also be a special Danish focus at selected European film festivals, and master classes for promising talent in European film will be offered in Denmark.
The Heritage Agency of Denmark has developed ’European Stories’, an interactive cultural heritage site that shows the European influence on Danish cultural heritage. People from all over Europe are invited to contribute stories and tales. The site is a refinement of the popular site ‘1001 Stories of Denmark’.
This cultural celebration during Denmark’s EU Presidency is a part of the International Cultural Panel’s strategic action plan for 2012 and has approximately DKK 6 million in funding from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Danish Ministry of Culture. The Danish Arts Agency, together with the Danish Film Institute, the Heritage Agency of Denmark and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has the responsibility for its development and implementation. Danish embassies and cultural institutes throughout Europe will be responsible for the implementation of local cultural activities.
For additional information:
The Danish Arts Agency:
Special consultant, Søren Krogh (sorkro@kunst.dk) +45 4081 4908
The Danish Ministry of Culture:
Chief Press Officer, Astrid Haug (ashaug@kulturministeriet.dk) +45 2276 5116
Information about the cultural program: www.eu2012.dk/culture
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